TagPart 150(262)

In January 2019, the City of Burien, Washington considered Resolution No. 407, a measure drafted by the Burien Airport Committee to address noise pollution from nearby Sea-Tac Airport. The resolution highlighted that the airport's rapid growth had caused serious health, environmental, and economic harm to Burien residents, with current FAA noise level standards far exceeding the safer thresholds recommended by the World Health Organization. The Burien Airport Committee recommended adoption of the resolution, which called for updated noise impact assessments and greater consideration of off-site noise effects.

This white paper analyzes the noise-related provisions of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (H.R. 302), which reauthorized the FAA through fiscal year 2023 and included 14 provisions directly or indirectly addressing aircraft noise. Key measures require the FAA to study alternative noise metrics to replace the Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL) standard, update Noise Exposure Maps when operations change significantly, and consider dispersal headings for new flight procedures to reduce community noise impacts. Seattle is among the cities specifically identified for a health impacts study related to aviation noise, making these provisions particularly relevant to Sea-Tac Airport stakeholders.

This document presents a community challenge to the FAA's environmental review (CATEX) of new flight routes near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, arguing that the FAA's own noise analyses show significant noise increases in the surrounding General Study Area that exceed the agency's own significance thresholds. The authors contend that the FAA could not rely on the outdated 2013-2018 Port of Seattle Part 150 noise study, and that the FAA's independent analyses revealed noise level jumps ranging from 5.2% to nearly 60% across various decibel contours. The document concludes that the FAA's declaration of 'no noise impacts' is implausible given data showing that portions of previously quiet neighborhoods now experience non-compatible land use noise levels above 65 dB DNL.

This FAA information sheet explains two main ways airports and communities can work together to address aircraft noise: the formal Part 150 Noise Compatibility Program, which follows federal regulations and can unlock federal funding for solutions like sound insulation, and Community Roundtables, which are voluntary ongoing forums where neighbors, airlines, and airport representatives discuss a broad range of noise and airport concerns. While Part 150 studies are structured, time-limited processes that result in an approved Noise Compatibility Plan, roundtables operate continuously under their own bylaws without a defined end date. The FAA recommends that airports consider using both approaches together for the most effective community engagement.

This FAA information sheet explains two main ways airports and communities can address aircraft noise concerns: the formal Part 150 Noise Compatibility Program, which follows federal regulations and can unlock funding for solutions like sound insulation, and Community Roundtables, which are voluntary ongoing forums for broader dialogue between airports, airlines, the FAA, and neighboring communities. The document compares the two approaches across key factors such as goals, FAA involvement, geographic scope, funding, and expected outcomes, noting that both methods can work together effectively. Airports like Sea-Tac may use one or both strategies to reduce noise impacts and keep community members informed and engaged.

This aerial map covers the residential and commercial areas surrounding Sea-Tac Airport, spanning portions of Burien, SeaTac, Tukwila, and unincorporated King County. It highlights key landmarks including Southern Heights Elementary School, Hilltop Elementary School, Rainier Golf and Country Club, and Glen Acres Country Club, along with major roadways such as SR 99, SR 599, Des Moines Memorial Drive S, and Military Road S. Turquoise boundary lines appear to delineate specific noise impact or study zones relevant to airport policy planning in the region.

This map depicts the area surrounding Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, showing the airport's runway layout (including runways 16R, 16C, and 16L) alongside nearby neighborhoods in Burien and SeaTac. Two overlaid flight-path or noise-contour corridors (shown in teal/green and gold) arc across the surrounding residential and parkland areas, illustrating the geographic extent of aircraft noise impact. Notable landmarks within the affected area include Glacier High School, Sunset Park, and the North SeaTac Softball Fields, highlighting the communities exposed to airport-related noise.

This aerial map depicts Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) and its surrounding communities of Burien and SeaTac, showing the airport's runway layout including runways 34L and 34C, along with the local road network and key routes such as SR 99 and SR 509. The map highlights the ST Light Rail corridor and major access roads serving the airport, providing geographic context for understanding flight paths and noise exposure areas in the region. It serves as a reference for analyzing the relationship between airport operations and the residential and commercial areas situated beneath approach and departure corridors.